Inspired by Pete Howell's recent post, I hooked up with this group to take a little dog from Tupelo to Columbia, S.C. If you want to create some smiles and give a little boost to the public perception of general aviation this is one way to do it. For the full story you can see my blog.

I will be flying to RYY just north of Atlanta to fly my daughter home to Florida for Christmas and she will be bringing her dog along. Is it too loud in the plane for the dog? She is buying her dog a pair of Mutt-Muffs for ear protection.

I will be flying to RYY just north of Atlanta to fly my daughter home to Florida for Christmas and she will be bringing her dog along. Is it too loud in the plane for the dog? She is buying her dog a pair of Mutt-Muffs for ear protection.

Certainly it's loud. If the dog will wear ear protection, then that would be best. From what I have seen and read, the dogs don't seem to be uncomfortable or in pain even though their hearing is much more acute than human hearing. Benjamin just went to sleep, and I think that's what usually happens with the drone of the engine. I guess one would have to be concerned about the long-term effects on hearing. However, I think the effect of loud noise on hearing is cumulative, and one or two flights would probably not be that harmful. Just my guess, and I am not an audiologist.

Certainly it's loud. If the dog will wear ear protection, then that would be best. From what I have seen and read, the dogs don't seem to be uncomfortable or in pain even though their hearing is much more acute than human hearing. Benjamin just went to sleep, and I think that's what usually happens with the drone of the engine. I guess one would have to be concerned about the long-term effects on hearing. However, I think the effect of loud noise on hearing is cumulative, and one or two flights would probably not be that harmful. Just my guess, and I am not an audiologist.

I would sure like to hear more on this topic. Holiday logistics are such that we are thinking about taking Watson (beagle, our only child) with us in the plane for the first time. Our limiting concern is hearing damage.

We have a West Highland Terror...err, Terrier that has logged many hours in our RV and Pacer. We tried a pair of Mutt Muffs on him and were concerned that they did not seal properly around his pointy head. So, we went for a much more basic solution. The roll up foam ear plugs. We found that they fit very well in the ear canal (not sure if they would work on a larger dog, ours is 20+/- lb). Roll them up tight and stick them well into the ear canal, then hold the head to preclude shaking until the plug expands. Once they are inserted, he does not seem to mind, and we are sure that he is getting good noise attenuation.
FYI....We used the plugs with the lanyard and just cut the lanyard down to about 2" from each plug for easy removal.
One last comment. Our vet said that there is no issues with the pressure changes during descent, but I think it is very wise to plan slow descents to preclude any issues.
Our Westie does not really go for the whole flying gig, and became quite anxious during the initial part of the flight. Our vet prescribed Acaproizine (sp?) and that really helps. He now just lays on his shelf, looking like he ate a loaded brownie! However, upon arrival he seems to show no lethargy, and is ready to go.

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